Risk Flags
6- Scheme Fit
McDaniel is no longer with the Dolphins, and neither is the general manager that drafted Ewers last April, Chris Grier. A key factor for Ewers is the offense that will be in place once a new coach comes in and formulates his own staff.
- QB Competition Intensity
New HC Jeff Hafley stressed there will be a quarterback competition with QBs potentially coming from the roster or from external sources. The Dolphins have been linked with free agent Malik Willis from Green Bay, where both GM Sullivan and HC Hafley previously worked.
- Regime Uncertainty
Complete organizational overhaul with new HC Jeff Hafley and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan creates uncertainty about Ewers' role. Both have stressed quarterback competition with potential external additions including free agent Malik Willis from Green Bay, where both previously worked.
- QB Competition
Dolphins are expected to bring in veteran QB competition via free agency or trade. Hafley stated there will be open competition 'whether it's Tua, Quinn or somebody not in the building,' indicating Ewers is not guaranteed the starting job despite his late-season audition.
- Draft Capital Risk
Miami is widely reported to be targeting a first-round QB in the 2027 draft, which would close Ewers' path to starting in Miami and likely result in a release or trade to a far less favorable roster situation.
- Development Path
Ewers likely is not the answer for Miami in 2026, so expect the team to bring in some competition this offseason. The new GM said they'll ensure they're building infrastructure so when they find their QB, 'whether it's Tua, Quinn (Ewers) or somebody that's not in the building' they have a team he can win with.